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Dumpster Rental in San Diego, California

Complete guide to Traffic Control Permits, coastal regulations, and trusted local providers in America's Finest City

📋 San Diego's Traffic Control Permit System

San Diego requires Traffic Control Permits for all right-of-way dumpsters with flat-rate pricing:

Key Requirements

  • Permit Type: Traffic Control Permit
  • Cost: $246.38 for 4 weeks
  • Processing: 15 business days
  • Insurance: $1-2 million liability

Placement Rules

  • • 10 feet from dumpster doors
  • • 25 feet from alleys
  • • 15 feet from fire hydrants
  • • Type 1 barricades required

* $164.63 permit fee + $81.75 processing fee. No permit needed for private property placement.

Quick San Diego Permit Facts

Permit Requirements

  • Application: Development Services Department
  • Processing: 15 business days minimum
  • Insurance: $1-2 million liability coverage
  • Duration: 4-week permit periods

Safety Requirements

  • • Type 1 barricades with flashing lights
  • • Reflective materials on corners
  • • Company name displayed
  • • California MUTCD compliance

San Diego Dumpster Rental Companies

Haul'n Off Dumpster Rentals

Phone: (619) 720-4511

Website: haulnoff.com

Features: Dirt and concrete specialists

Service Areas: San Diego, La Mesa

Specialties: Construction debris, competitive overage pricing

Mobiledumps San Diego

Phone: (619) 629-4751

Website: mobiledumps.com

Features: Mobile dumpsters, relocatable units

Service Areas: San Diego County

Specialties: Same-day delivery, back swinging doors, low deck

EDCO Disposal

Website: san-diego.edcodisposal.com

Experience: Family-owned since 1967

Features: Residential and commercial services

Service Areas: Southern California

Specialties: Locally operated, recycling focus, multiple cart sizes

Trash Daddy Dumpsters

Website: trashdaddydumpsters.com

Features: 500+ 5-star reviews

Container Sizes: 15, 20-yard high-side options

Service Areas: All San Diego neighborhoods

Specialties: Family-owned, no hidden fees, driveway-friendly

Dumpster Rental Dogs

Website: dumpsterrentaldogs.com

Container Sizes: 10 to 40 cubic yards

Features: Nationwide operation

Service Areas: Chula Vista, El Cajon, Escondido, Encinitas

Specialties: Fast delivery, foreclosure cleanouts

ZTERS

Website: zters.com

Features: Nationwide company

Pricing: $397-$677 depending on size

Service Areas: San Diego County

Specialties: 10-day rental periods, decade of experience

Note: Contact companies directly for current pricing and availability. Verify they understand San Diego's Traffic Control Permit requirements for street placement.

San Diego County Area Coverage

Central San Diego

  • Downtown
  • Gaslamp Quarter
  • Little Italy
  • Hillcrest
  • North Park
  • South Park
  • Golden Hill
  • Normal Heights

Coastal Areas

  • La Jolla
  • Pacific Beach
  • Mission Beach
  • Ocean Beach
  • Point Loma
  • Coronado
  • Imperial Beach
  • Del Mar

North County

  • Escondido
  • Oceanside
  • Carlsbad
  • Encinitas
  • Vista
  • San Marcos
  • Poway
  • Rancho Bernardo

East/South County

  • El Cajon
  • La Mesa
  • Santee
  • Lakeside
  • Chula Vista
  • National City
  • Bonita
  • Spring Valley

Also serving: Jamul, Alpine, Ramona, Valley Center, Fallbrook, and all of San Diego County

San Diego Permit Application Process

1

Check Placement Location

No permit needed for private property. Street placement requires Traffic Control Permit with 4-week periods.

2

Apply with Development Services

Submit application to Development Services Department at least 15 business days in advance.

3

Provide Insurance Documentation

Submit Certificate of Liability Insurance with $1-2 million coverage, naming City of San Diego as additional insured.

4

Submit Site Plans

Include detailed site plan showing placement location, traffic control measures, and compliance with California MUTCD standards.

5

Pay $246.38 Fee

$164.63 permit fee plus $81.75 processing fee for 4-week period.

6

Wait for Approval

15 business days standard processing. Coastal zones and historic districts may require additional review.

Coastal Zone Requirements

Additional requirements in coastal zones:

Coastal Development Permits

  • • Process 1: Non-appealable areas (included automatically)
  • • Process 3: Appealable zones (separate application)
  • • Beach Parking Impact Overlay Zones may require replacement parking

Special Considerations

  • • Additional environmental review
  • • Public access considerations
  • • Visual impact assessments
  • • Extended processing timelines

Historic District Requirements

Additional review required in historic districts:

  • • Gaslamp Quarter Historic District
  • • Structures over 45 years old
  • • Designated historic landmarks
  • • Cultural resource districts
  • • Additional design review
  • • Preservation considerations
  • • Extended processing time
  • • Possible public hearings

San Diego Market Considerations

Year-Round Construction Weather

San Diego's mild climate means construction happens year-round. Book early as demand stays consistently high throughout all seasons.

Coastal Community Restrictions

Beach communities like La Jolla, Del Mar, and Coronado have strict placement rules. Many areas require permits for street placement.

Military Base Proximity

Areas near military installations may have special requirements. Verify access and security needs for projects near bases.

Canyon & Hillside Properties

Many San Diego homes are on slopes or canyons. Companies offer smaller trucks and mobile units for difficult access properties.

Environmental Regulations

California has strict disposal and recycling requirements. Most companies emphasize green practices and proper sorting.

Tourist Season Impact

Summer tourism and events like Comic-Con create traffic challenges. Plan deliveries around major events and beach traffic.

San Diego Permit Fees

Fee TypeAmountNotes
Traffic Control Permit$164.634-week period
Processing Fee$81.75Non-refundable
Total Permit Cost$246.38For 4 weeks
Coastal Zone ReviewVariesAdditional fees may apply

San Diego Permit Contacts

Development Services Department - Traffic Engineering

Email: DSDTrafficSafety@sandiego.gov

Phone: (619) 446-5000

Processing: 15 business days

Public Counter Hours: Mon-Thu 7AM-4PM

Closed Fridays

1222 First Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

San Diego Safety Requirements

Traffic Control Measures

  • ✓ Type 1 barricades required
  • ✓ Flashing lights at night
  • ✓ Reflective tape on corners
  • ✓ California MUTCD compliance

Placement Requirements

  • ✓ 10 feet from dumpster doors
  • ✓ 25 feet from alleys
  • ✓ 15 feet from fire hydrants
  • ✓ Maintain clear access paths

Ready to Rent a Dumpster in San Diego?

Calculate the right size for your project or learn about permit requirements

Last updated: September 2025 | Verify current requirements with San Diego Development Services Department